holding pattern

noun

1

: the usually oval course flown (as over an airport) by aircraft awaiting clearance especially to land

2

: a state of waiting or suspended activity or progress

Synonyms of holding pattern

• suspension
• suspense
• cold storage

Examples of holding pattern in a Sentence

Our plane was in a holding pattern for almost an hour because of the fog.

repair work on the bridge was in a holding pattern for the duration of the winter

Recent Examples on the Web

As for Martinez, he is stuck in a holding pattern — there are a few opportunities overseas that have been explored, but nothing too much yet. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Ariane 6 has made a difference for Europe, but for the rest of the commercial launch industry, a holding pattern remains as Falcon 9 backstops all. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026

Perhaps the Switch 2 is Nintendo’s holding pattern amidst an industry in peril. — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

A bit like a holding pattern is used for aircraft waiting to land at an overly busy airport. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for holding pattern

• saturn

Kids Definition

holding pattern

noun

1

: the course flown (as over an airport) by an aircraft waiting for permission to land

2

: a state of waiting or suspended activity

the project is in a holding pattern